Protozoologist

Explore the link between protozoa and disease.

Quick Stats

Salary Range

$36,000 – $93,000

Data from U.S. Department of Labor

What do Protozoologists do?

Protozoologists study protozoa, a classification of single-celled organisms that are often found in certain unfiltered water sources and can cause some diseases in humans. As a Protozoologist, you examine these tiny organisms under a microscope to learn more about how they are formed, how they cause illness in humans, and how they relate to the cells in other organisms.

A popular example of a protozoan is the amoeba. Not unlike a microscopic Flubber in appearance, the amoeba is a blob-like protozoan with its parts clearly visible through its transparent membrane, or outer skin. Working as a Protozoologist, you observe many protozoa, like the amoeba, under a microscope to get a clear idea of what makes up the inside of their cell.

Your studies of single-celled organisms — whether you’re examining living species in a laboratory or viewing diagrams in another Scientist ’s notes — help the scientific community to better understand how cells function. This leads to more advanced medical treatments for diseases.

To further your research, you spend many hours examining different specimens and recording your observations. Then it’s back to your office to type up your findings for other Protozoologists to review. Your work may deal with tiny organisms, but it has a giant impact on the future of the scientific and medical communities.

Should I be a Protozoologist?

You should have
a
master's
degree or higher and share these traits:

Outside the Box Thinker:
Your creative brainpower gets a workout as you come up with innovative ideas.

Logical Thinker:
You take a step-by-step approach to analyze information and solve problems.

Detail Oriented:
You pay close attention to all the little details.

How to become a Protozoologist

Most Protozoologists have a Master's degree. Start by getting your Bachelor's degree.